Meta deletes 63,000 accounts linked to cybercriminals

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, has responded to the rants of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who claimed that Nigerians have rejected him and the former vice president should therefore vacate the political scene. Atiku said he won’t “descend into the gutters” to exchange
I won’t descend into gutters with you — Atiku fires back at Wike

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, has responded to the rants of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who claimed that Nigerians have rejected him and the former vice president should therefore vacate the political scene.

Atiku said he won’t “descend into the gutters” to exchange words with Wike.

Wike had said: “I hear Atiku Abubakar said that Nigerians have rejected us in Rivers State. You, who have contested and failed woefully, Nigerians have rejected you; therefore, go back home.”

Reacting through his spokesman, Paul Ibe, Atiku said Wike and his collaborators are playing politics with the sufferings of Nigerians.

A statement signed by Ibe reads: “Our attention has been drawn to the recent remarks made by Mr. Nyesom Wike, which can only be described as another of his theatrical outbursts. Ordinarily, we would not respond, but we recognize that silence might be misinterpreted.

“However, we remain calm, knowing that Nigerians are well acquainted with his antics, a lingering symptom of the bitterness he harbours from his defeat to the Wazirin Adamawa at the 2022 party presidential primaries.

“Wike’s comments are nothing more than a string of inanities, lacking substance and driven by personal grievances. If he truly believes Nigerians are content with the current state of affairs under the government he serves, it reveals a deeper truth: his priorities lie not with the people but with himself. This self-absorption is evident in his preoccupation with domestic affairs in Rivers rather than his ministerial responsibilities.

“While he may seek to divert attention with his baseless rants, we remain focused on the genuine issues affecting Nigerians. It is clear that Mr. Wike is more concerned with self-interest than addressing the real challenges faced by the nation. In contrast, our commitment remains unwavering, centred on the welfare and progress of the people.

“Wike appears to delight in conjuring fantasies, indulging in his imagination, and paying for live TV coverage to launch tirades against whomever he pleases. However, we shall not descend into the gutters where he feels at home. Instead, we prefer to rise above, maintaining our dignity while others revel in the mud.

I won’t descend into gutters with you — Atiku fires back at Wike

Some residents in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, have lamented Nigeria’s economic situation as they call for the Federal Government’s intervention. The residents,, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Wednesday in Abuja, said that the economic downtown affected their celebration of Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary. Mr Ikenna Azubuike, a store owner,
Nigeria at 64: Abuja residents bemoan economic hardship

Some residents in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, have lamented Nigeria’s economic situation as they call for the Federal Government’s intervention.

The residents,, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Wednesday in Abuja, said that the economic downtown affected their celebration of Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary.

Mr Ikenna Azubuike, a store owner, said that independence was not worth celebrating due to the economic hardship in the country.

Azubuike recalled how goods and services were cheaper a few years ago compared to the present day.

“A few years ago a crate of eggs was about N500 to N800. Now I buy it for N6,000.

“It is so sad that we have found ourselves in this state as a country,” he said.

Azubuike said that his business had been impacted by the hike in prices of goods which had affected his profit margin.

Marian Ighalo, a banker, said that her salary was not sufficient to meet her needs anymore.

“The naira has no value again, which is why the money finishes so fast when you have barely bought anything tangible

“I appeal to the Federal Government to look into the economic situation so that we can have enough reason to celebrate our independence,” she said.

Mrs Joselyn Akpereta, a school proprietress, said that the economic situation had been affecting the running of her school.

Akpereta said that some parents can’t pay school fees and bus fees on time, while some had stopped paying for the school bus services.

“A lot of parents no longer pay their children school fees on time.

“This is affecting the running of the school because teachers need to be paid and amenities in the school need to be fixed.

“I bought those school buses at an extremely high price, but unfortunately, parents can no longer afford the bus for their kids. This leaves me at a very great loss,” she said.

Akpereta said 2024 was her worst independence day celebration.

She called on the Federal Government to urgently address the economic situation in the country so Nigerians could be happy.

Peter Idemudia, a civil servant, said his celebration of Nigeria’s independence was dampened by the economic situation in the country.

“For me, there was nothing worth celebrating due to the hunger, hardship and homelessness being experienced in the country.

“I guess the people who celebrated in spite of the economic situation did it just to make themselves happy to avoid depression.

“I genuinely hope that this country gets better and Nigerians finally have a cause to smile again,” he said

However, Meimunat Adeleke, a real estate agent, said that she was in high spirits for the independence celebrations in spite of the economic situation.

“I know that things are not so good in the country but we have a lot more reasons to celebrate.

“We are not at war and we are still united as a country, which is enough reason to celebrate.

“I pray that God gives our leaders the wisdom to make Nigeria a better place for everyone someday,” she said.

Nigeria at 64: Abuja residents bemoan economic hardship